Michael Crabtree wasn’t the only noticeably absent player from today’s practice at organized team activities, though he was the only one undergoing surgery for a torn Achilles.

Nine other potential starters were missing, giving a split-squad feel to the workout, which was voluntary (a word that is used loosely in the NFL’s full-steam-ahead world).

Not seen were wide receiver Anquan Boldin, linebacker NaVorro Bowman, cornerback Tarell Brown, left tackle Joe Staley and center Jonathan Goodwin, the later of whom has spent all offseason at home with his family in South Carolina. Coach Jim Harbaugh said Boldin had a previous commitment but wouldn’t detail the other players’ whereabouts, other than to say he knew where they were and that none were out because of a recent injury (see: Crabtree, Michael).

Running back Frank Gore stretched with the team and did individual drills before leaving the field. He did not appear injured.

Wide receiver Kyle Williams and running back Kendall Hunter participated in team stretch and some individual work before heading off to a side field for conditioning with trainers.

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LaMichael James and Chad Hall were the only ones returning punts, and they did an admirable job in windy conditions.

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Hall caught a nice touchdown pass from Colt McCoy in the back corner of the end zone while covered by Chris Culliver.

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Craig Dahl lined up next to Donte Whitner at safety for the start of 7-on-7 drills and Dahl made a nice move to try intercepting a Colin Kaepernick pass intended for Hall at the goal line. Dahl bobbled the pass and dropped it, however.

British import Lawrence Okoye filled in at right defensive tackle while Justin Smith observed. Okoye continues to get coached up after practice by line coach Jim Tomsula.

Will Tukuafu lined up at left defensive tackle and Lamar Divens at nose tackle next to Okoye for 7-on-7 action.

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Tight end Garrett Celek made a nice catch on a typically speeding pass from Kaepernick.

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With Carlos Rogers at left cornerback, Nnamdi Asomugha was at right cornerback in place of the absent Brown for the start of 7-on-7 action.

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Obviously, Crabtree’s injury dominated the discussion today, and rightfully so. He was last season’s leading receiver. He was not, however, one of the 49ers’ nine players who earned Pro Bowl nods. That’s not to say he’s any less important than those who were honored. That’s just a thought.

Cam Inman

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I like Patton, Lockette, McDonald, and Chad Hall to fill the gap left by Crabtree’s injury. Still question marks for the two injured receivers and AJ Jenkins.

Devin

I know it’s early, I’ll be the first to ask since we are all curious. How did Okoye look? I know he’s learning the position, fundamentals, and leverage, but did he hold his own?

3rdNking

just say no to Brandon Lloyd, thank you

snsf49erloyal

In my opinion, while Crabtree is out on IR our defense needs to tighten up and even score more TDs. I recall when Jon Gruden went to coach Tampa Bay, he called a meeting of defensive guys in his office and told/demanded that they need to score 8 touchdowns. They ended up scoring 10 or 11 TDs that super bowl winning season. May be JH should to that too, Just a thought.

pavlosh

Why not use Vernon’s speed and split him out at the receivers slot every once in awhile?

Lance Newberry

They have no one on their roster who can replace Crabtree.

We’re talking about a STAR WR here. Truly great NFL WRs are probably the hardest thing to find, other than great QBs. Crabtree had become one of those last season, and that transformation made almost as much of a difference as Kaepernick did.

It’s not a question of someone “stepping up”; it took them years & years to replace Terrell Owens, something that didn’t happen until Crabtree finally began playing like the rare super-star WR that he was drafted to be and that every team that wants to win the BIG games needs.

They have some talent now, but this is a crushing blow to the team. They’re likely not going to be able to get someone of his level, but if they don’t look outside to acquire someone with top-tier talent it will hurt them badly, and since they did absolutely nothing two years ago when Crabtree was hurt and Edwards had turned out to be a phony, especially when it was clear that they had a real shot at the Super Bowl, and then last year when they passed over some elite options and brought in the good but not great Manningham and the washed up Moss, it’s unlikely that they’ll do anything bold to fill this gaping void now.

Thinking they could win the BIG games with the stiffs they had two years ago cost them their shot that year, and not having another top WR last season hurt them as well. If they do nothing now but hope for Jenkins to suddenly develop or Williams to be better than he is and then just wait for Crabtree to come back it will hurt them again, especially in their very tough division.

There is no easy answer to this disaster, but IMO doing nothing will once again not be the right one.